Brendan O'Malley and Kent Schauble met at the Indiana University School of Music in 1995. Although they had been writing songs independently for several years, it wasn't until 2002 that they came together to create their first joint effort, "Pharaoh." Soon after, they began performing around New York City and Philadelphia as "O'Malley and Schauble" at venues such as the famous CB Gallery, The Duplex, The Triad Theatre, The C Note, The Five Spot and Club 318. In 2006, Brendan and Kent began p...
Brendan O'Malley and Kent Schauble met at the Indiana University School of Music in 1995. Although they had been writing songs independently for several years, it wasn't until 2002 that they came together to create their first joint effort, "Pharaoh." Soon after, they began performing around New York City and Philadelphia as "O'Malley and Schauble" at venues such as the famous CB Gallery, The Duplex, The Triad Theatre, The C Note, The Five Spot and Club 318. In 2006, Brendan and Kent began preparation for their debut album with a concert at the Hard Rock Cafe Moscow in Moscow, Russia, where Brendan was living at the time. In early 2007, Brendan relocated to Kent's hometown of Philadelphia and the duo created "The Local Tourists.”Their debut album, "Happy Birthday, Kyle," was released in December of 2007 on O'Malley and Schauble's own record label, East Drive Records. The album features the talents of percussionist Steven Wolf (Avril Lavigne, Annie Lennox, Pink), bassist Jack Daley (Lenny Kravitz) and pianist Jim Ryan as well as guest musicians Tara Harvey (oboe), Scott Wakefield (banjo) and Danny Yoo (violin). The album was recorded in New York City at Monster Island Records by Mike Caffrey and mastered at Sterling Sound. The Local Tourists’ music combines elements from their classical background with traditional rock music, creating an eclectic sound that has drawn comparisons to Phish, Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright, Barenaked Ladies, Queen and even The Beatles. "Happy Birthday, Kyle" is available on iTunes and Amazon.com press reviews:Highly creative and unpredictable rock.-Indie-Music.com. April 18thThe duo's debut album packs sweeping violin melodies, classical guitar, dynamic chord changes and folk-style lyrics into a pop-rock cornucopia that overflows with an indulgently diverse range of melodies and styles. "The Ballad of Lickey and Diamond" is an epic classic rock tale that unfolds like a children's bedtime story. A few songs later, we get the driving, chord-mashing "Six for a Parlay, Twelve for a Teaser," a piece that would be at home on Broadway. "Happy Birthday, Kyle" is a feast. -Alibi (alibi.com). V. 17, no. 1. Jan. 3rd-9th, 2008. An intriguing, eclectic sound all its own. Operatic vocals paired with alternative rock instrumentals set it apart from the norm. If you're looking for an album with more substance than what you generally hear on the radio, "Happy Birthday, Kyle" could be a refreshing change of pace. -The Miami Hurricane. Jan. 31st, 2008. An enjoyable mix of ballads and upbeat tracks with addictive lyrics… an intriguing sound that is refreshing and unique. In short, "Happy Birthday, Kyle" is delightful. -The Record, Harvard Law School. Feb. 28th, 2008
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